(NewsNation) — Younger men and women are being diagnosed with colon cancer than ever before, according to a report from the American Cancer Society.

Colon cancer has become the leading cause of death among men younger than 50, and the number two cause of death in women of the same age group, according to the report,

Researchers pointed to the possibility that the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in 2020 because of health care setting closures and fear of virus exposure.

“We know that obesity plays a role and we’ve got rising obesity levels in this nation. We live sedentary lifestyles, we eat more processed foods, perhaps there are issues related to the gut microbiome, which are the bacteria that naturally live in the colon. And there are many different hypotheses that are out there, and it’s likely a multifactorial process,” said Dr. Ross Buerlein.

Buerlein, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Virginia, joined “NewsNation Prime” to discuss the troubling rates of colon cancer, saying regular screenings are the best form of prevention.

“You need to look out for signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer. Those are going to be things like blood in the stool or anemia that’s otherwise unexplained, particularly iron deficiency anemia, which can show itself as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath. You can have new changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss. And you’ve really got to advocate for yourself,” Buerlein said.

The report reveals increased rates of diagnosis in breast, prostate, uterine, pancreas, oral, liver, kidney and melanoma, as well as colorectal and cervical cancer in young adults.

Doctors advise colonoscopy screenings starting at age 45 but those with a family history of the illness may need to begin screening earlier.

Maintaining a healthy weight and limiting red meat are usually advised for those with a family history.